Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The State of the Union

by Gordon Cooper

From Broader View Weekly, February 15, 2008

While our President delivered his Farewell State of the Union Address, I was struck with a few thoughts.

First of all, I believe that history may be a somewhat kinder critic of his performance than the current noisy critics who seem to have such a visceral hatred for the man. According to the Random House College Dictionary, “visceral” is defined as “Characterized by or proceeding from the instinctive rather than intellectual motivation.” I think this sums up those who suffer from ‘Bush Derangement Syndrome’.

While I personally have many differences with Mr. Bush, I can approach and judge his policies as separate from the man. It appears that many others – such as my fellow columnist – cannot.

Let’s go back to the previous occupant of the Oval Office. I was diametrically opposed to most of President Clinton’s policies and morally repulsed by his disrespect for our White House and the rule of law. (In case we need to be reminded here, he was convicted of, and disbarred for committing perjury – a felony, but I digress) However, I don’t recall ever having a hatred for the man, like the Bush-o-phobes seem to have.

The war in Iraq is improving daily, while we still have many bloody miles ahead, I think an honest appraisal of the situation will confirm that the belated surge of troops and increased negotiations with Sunni leaders has been an effective policy.

The economy is slowing down and adjusting itself to the housing debacle, but Bush’s critics have to decide whether he was responsible for the seven years of growth or whether he is only responsible for the current downturn. To suggest the latter without the former is illogical.

As I listened to his speech, I heard the oft-repeated mantra of “trust the people” and “empower the people”.
It was sprinkled about his speech like a nice seasoning that a good chef recognizes would stay on the palate after the meal is finished. For me, it works. After all, that is really the core of our American system. The Jeffersonian philosophy of getting government out of the way of entrepreneurs and inventors and restricting government rather than restricting the people is the best path to prosperity.

Now to the issue of this mania that seems to afflict many on the left: Calm thyself with the assurance that our Constitution does not allow George W. Bush a third term. Take a breath, he’ll be gone a year from now. But, unless you address this hatred in your hearts, you will still be stressing yourself unnecessarily. If McCain becomes our next Commander-in-Chief, will you transfer this “instinctive rather than intellectual” hatred to him?

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